quest for the cyclops pyramid by joey potts @ 32nd & urban gallery (oct 17-18)

Artist Joey Potts will be having his first official solo show; QUEST FOR THE CYCLOPS PYRAMID - opening October 17th & 18th @ 32nd & Urban Gallery, Chicago, IL (USA).

"Quest for the Cyclops Pyramid" is a series of 22 new acrylic-on-wood paintings. These paintings all focus on the struggles of a quest to find an intangible force. Check out Joey's work-in-progress pics of one of his artowkr destined for the show via: Part One / Part Two / Part Three.
CLICK THRU for Artist Statement & Bio.

WHEN: October 17, 2008 (Soft Opening / 7-11pm)
October 18, 2008 (Main Opening / 7-11pm)
WHERE: 32nd & Urban Gallery
3201 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60608

Artist Statement:
It has been said that finding what one seeks is not as important as the quest itself. The reality of this statement is present everyday of one's life. One works, struggles, loves, hates, finds, loses, creates and destroys. But for what reason? Is it the lust for material possessions, the feeling of accomplishment, or is it something deeper, something unseen - an intangible driving force that motivates one to live?

This driving force cannot be pinpointed; it cannot be placed under a microscope and examined. It has been given many different names, yet it is intangible and omnipresent. Although it cannot be touched, every living organism can feel it. It is given to one at birth and carried with them to the grave.

In my exhibit, "Quest for the Cyclops Pyramid", I depict fantastical, otherworldly characters in their quest for this intangible force known only as the "Cyclops Pyramid". These characters live in a mythical world not far removed from our own. They share our dreams, our desires, our nightmares and downfalls, and our motivations to live. In this world, these creatures do not know if they are seeking or being sought; all they know is that they are on a quest, a "Quest for the Cyclops Pyramid".


[WIP of Acrylic on a Wood Panel, 11×14x2]
Artist Bio:
Joey Potts has called Chicago his home for the past 4 years, after graduating with a BFA in Illustration from the Maryland Institute, College of Art. He began drawing at a young age, when his father brought home a drawing table and a "Learn How to Draw Cartoons" book. Joey's father's drawings, Saturday morning cartoons, video games, plush animals, comic books, T-shirts, toys, and skateboarding were his earliest influences.

Joey works with acrylic and brush on canvas or wood panels, but also enjoys custom painting apparel, vinyl toys, and shoes. His paintings are strongly based upon characters that he creates from observation of everyday social and personal occurrences. As an observer, he concerns myself with the internal uncertainties, apathies, and underlying thoughts and emotions of others and himself in daily life. His characters are bold, highly detailed, and grotesque - approachable, but with an air of caution.

He has been featured in museums, galleries, and openings across the globe. When not painting, he is drawing, creating shirt designs, and dreaming of eating a steak. He is a lead designer and co-creative director for the Chicago-based apparel & design collective Formula Werks, and is a founding member of Chicago art collective The Cartel.